Every fall is a mixed bag of emotions when it’s time to say goodbye to Grand Canyon. Yes, I’m always ready for the delightfully hectic summer season to be over. And although crazy busy, this has been the best season out of nine. The National Park Service Centennial seemed to be a big hit with high visitation. Three more years until Grand Canyon National Park celebrates its 100th birthday.
Goodbye to the ever changing light and shadows in the canyon.
Goodbye to fall’s brilliance and chill.
I dropped the truckcamper in Yarnell a few weeks ago. Then began the hunt for where to park my 5th-wheel home. After much todo about staying in one of two RV parks in Yarnell, worse and worser, I decided 14 miles away would do better so I’m moving to Kirkland, Arizona.
I’ve driven through Kirkland numerous times in the last 11 years. Just don’t blink or you’ll miss it. The 2014 census gives a population of 1686, three people per square mile. It’s ranch-land in the foothills of the Weaver Mountains.
The Kirkland RV Park looks good sandwiched between Kirkland Creek—mostly a dry wash—and the not often used RR tracks. Lots of trees and pretty good sized spaces. Mostly permanent mobile homes and trailers.
The town consists of one business, the Kirkland Bar and Steakhouse originally built in 1863 then rebuilt several times around the still intact 1880 Wells Fargo safe. It’s gone through several owners and is once again for sale. I’ve never eaten there so might have to give it a try. And there’s a post office in town.
So the plan is to roll off the Kaibab Plateau Friday and drive the four hours to Flagstaff for the night then another three hours Saturday to Kirkland, about 25 miles south of Prescott. Bill is following me in his own truck to my new home to help me set up for the winter.
Great thing is I’ll be back to visit Grand Canyon in a couple of weeks for the History Symposium on the South Rim. Then I’ll have to say goodbye again.
This doesn’t mean you are retiring, does it? Just saying goodbye until next season, right? Those first two pics are just gorgeous. Love your life!
Thanks. Only retiring for the winter.
Don’t do anything too wild and buy that steakhouse and bar.
Wild for me is traveling not buying. So no worry.
Have a great winter!! We will stop and see you when we are down!
Thanks. That would be great! Probably be room for you at this RV park.
Drive with care, glad Bill is right behind you. Looking forward to new places though we will miss the canyon photos. Diane and Nigel
Yes, I’m glad for Bill’s help. I’m sure to trip over some more unprocessed canyon shots to share. Be well.
I’m glad the hectic anniversary turned out to be a great experience for you. Wonderful to miss where you’re leaving and excited to be where you’re going. Looks like you found a nice alternative for the winter. Looking forward to seeing what you find in the area 🙂
I am excited to explore my new neighborhood, and hopefully further afield too.
Looks like you made a good choice and I bet you make new friends because it sounds like that kind of an RV Park …. how far is the grocery store though? Woman cannot live on steak and ale alone ;>).
It looks like a quiet retirement type RV park. Best shopping options 25 miles north to Prescott.
Oh am I going to miss these fantastic pictures of the canyon. Those two are just wonderful. Your plan sounds like a good one. How far is the nearest grocery? Will you be staying in the 5th wheel or traveling in the truck camper? Such nice choices you have. Although I know you’d rather be going to South Africa and I sure don’t blame you.
Thanks Sherry. There’s sure to be a few more canyon pics coming. Best of everything shopping is 25 miles north in Prescott. That seems so close compared to the North Rim. Mostly living in the 5er but some in the truck camper during Berta’s recovery from knee surgery in early December. Plus hope to go play in the southern desert after the first of the year. I do wish to be in South Africa. Maybe next year. Want to go?
Wow! From where I sit that was a seemingly fast season, but then I don’t enjoy the heat of summer, so I’m always wishing it will hurry up and pass through. Now, we finally hit fall, which is my all time favorite time of the year and just when I got out my sweaters, the temps soared back up to the 80’s. Bah!
It flew by for me too and I embrace the summer temps in the 80-90s at this elevation. Yet I do love the colors of fall. It would be time to dig out the sweaters if I weren’t heading downhill.
Beautiful good-bye photos of the canyon:) So glad you were able to find a better home for the winter:) How sweet of Bill to follow along and help you set up:)
Thanks. At least it has trees, and maybe a view. He is a sweetie.
Gaelyn, I hope you’re all settled in Kirkland and have already eaten at the bar and grill. Stay cozy!
Parked with a beautiful view in Kirkland. But cooking my own steak dinner tonight.